Services
Programs and Grants
In addition to our international market research and international travel assistance, VEDP offers a number of programs and grants to help Virginia companies grow their international sales.
Supply Chain Optimization Program
The Virginia Supply Chain Optimization Program helps Virginia companies evaluate and strengthen supply chain processes for inputs and components used in future exporting initiatives.
Eligible Virginia companies have access to up to $10,000 in reimbursements for supply chain-related expenses.
Virginia companies participating in the program receive training from experts in supply chain mapping, import compliance, transportation, and more.
Virginia Global Business Internship Program
The Virginia Global Business Internship Program (VGBIP) matches students enrolled in Virginia colleges and universities with Virginia companies seeking assistance in developing their international sales.
Eligible companies must operate in Virginia and have at least five full-time employees in Virginia.
Trade Show Program
With Virginia’s Trade Show Program, eligible companies can receive up to $10,000 in reimbursements to participate in international trade show exhibits.
In this program, companies purchase their own booth at a trade show relevant to their unique product, service, or industry.
To be eligible, trade shows must occur overseas, or if domestic, have a demonstrated international component.
Global Defense Program (GDP)
The Global Defense Program (GDP) helps Virginia’s defense companies diversify into new international markets.
Eligible defense-related companies receive assistance with strategy, export compliance, matchmaking, translation, and more. Defense-related companies also receive market research services such as identifying potential distributors and due diligence reports.
Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET)
VALET is a two-year international business acceleration program. This award-winning program offers a powerful combination of capital resources provided by the Commonwealth and professional services from expert, private sector partners.
Program benefits include executive training, international sales plan development, educational events and customized research. The VALET program generates an average increase in international sales of 78% for participating companies.
Only 25 companies per year are accepted into the VALET program.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant is designed to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to raise the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting. The program is funded through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Program benefits vary by year depending upon federal grant guidelines.
Featured Case Studies
Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA Shares Coffee with the World from Virginia
Massimo Zanetti Beverage, the largest privately held and family owned coffee company in the world, set out in 2012 to navigate new international markets with support from VEDP’s experienced International Trade division.
Virginia’s Exporters of Services Find Success Abroad
With the global threat of terrorism on the rise, Virginia technology security services firms are parlaying security concerns into surging revenue growth overseas.
MAG Aerospace’s International Contracts Soar through Virginia Export Program
When faced with the pressures of sequestration in 2012, MAG Aerospace turned to the global marketplace for new contracts with support from VEDP’s flagship Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program.